Harare Polytechnic | Principal's Sports Gala

Tournament Overview

Duration

The event will run for two days. Annual tournament staged amongst all divisions and departments.

Participants

Bonafide members of staff and students. Student ID required for verification.

Attire

Teams must wear appropriate sports attire of the same colour. Bibs provided. Finals will use institutional kits.

Tournament Objectives

Promote a safer campus
Promote oneness across Divisions/Departments through sport
Promote a culture of body fitness among students and staff
Bring sports to all students and staff
Allow coaches to scout for talent
Socialize, promote networking and create friends across departments
Sensitize participants on STIs, STDs and non-communicable diseases
Promote a drug and substance abuse free community

Marketing Initiatives

Print & Digital

Flyers and posters distributed to all departments. Digital advertising on social media and website.

Merchandise

T-shirts for officials and participants.

Publicity

PA system throughout the tournament. Invited media houses. Guest artist performance.

Vendors

Fees charged to vendors on the day.

Prizes & Awards

Certificates

Bronze, Silver, and Gold certificates for athletes and coaches, with monetary reward attached.

Floating Trophy

For the winning Division/Department.

Principal's Award

Best Division/Department, First Runner-up, Second Runner-up.

Most Disciplined Team

Certificate and monetary reward.

Sport Codes & Registration

Sport Code	Men	Ladies	Total
Soccer	23	23	46
Netball	-	15	15
Basketball	15	15	30
Volleyball	15	15	30
Handball	16	16	32
Lawn tennis	4	4	8
Table tennis	4	4	8
Pool	6	6	12
Darts	6	6	12
Chess	5	5	10
Athletics	15	15	30
Rugby	15	-	15
Cricket	15	15	30
Karate	6	6	12
Expected total per Division	145	145	290

Teams should register with the Tournament Coordinator at least 72 hours before start.

Participating Departments (Categorised)

Competition Rules & Format

Technical Regulations

Organised in accordance with International Associations for each sport code, with variations on duration during preliminaries. The Harare Polytechnic Organising Committee is the highest authority.

Team Management

Each team under a Coach who is a staff member from the team's division/department.
Coaches/captains register teams 72 hours before start.
Only registered players may participate; changes must be communicated.

Format

5 teams or less: round robin.
6 teams or more: pools (preliminary round robin) then finals.
Two pools (A & B) formed by public draw.
Group winners and runners-up qualify for semi-finals (knockout).
Semi-final losers play for 3rd/4th place.
Finals: extra time (2x5 mins) then penalties if needed (football).

Points System

As per National Sports Associations rules. In case of equality, international federation rules apply (goal difference, etc.).

Match Officials

Only qualified officials. Referee's decision is final. Appeals may be made through Technical Officer within 30 minutes after match (written protest).

Entitlement to Rest

Consecutive matches: rest period between 15 and 30 minutes at Coordinator's discretion.

Abandonments & Forfeits

Team withdrawing or not reporting loses match and is eliminated. If official causes abandonment, match is replayed under new officials.

Player Eligibility

Only bonafide staff and students may participate.
Students must present current student ID and national ID before competing.
No ID = no participation.
Teams with ineligible players forfeit all games involving that player.

Health & Safety Protocols

All sports-related safety concerns and health protocols will be observed. Participants must adhere to and observe these protocols.

Venue

Facilities will be hired from Allan Wilson High School for the duration of the tournament.

Contact / Organising Committee

Tournament Coordinator

Contact via Sports Department for registration and inquiries.

Email

sports@hrepoly.ac.zw

Phone

+263

Principal's Sports Gala 2026